Dramatic photos posted to social media by Taunton Fire Station appear to show flames pouring out of the leaking gas main.

Crews from Taunton and Ilminster were mobilised along with the Environmental Protection Unit from Taunton.

Damage caused by the gas main fire. (Image: Taunton Fire Station)

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Upon arrival the crews confirmed the gas main was leaking and was alight.

"Crews prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent property by cooling the property using a hose reel jet whilst waiting for the arrival of a utilities team in order to isolate the supply of gas.

Damage after the blaze (Image: Taunton Fire Station)

"Nearby properties were evacuated until the gas was isolated."

Darryl Goddard, Wales and West Utilities area engineering manager for South West England said: "The gas is flowing again to homes in the Hatch Beauchamp area of Somerset. Gas supplies were interrupted yesterday (31 October) after contractors working in the area damaged the gas network.

"We repaired the leak yesterday evening and visited each home to safely turn their gas back on and relight their appliances.

“In the small number of homes we haven’t been able to access, where residents are away, we have left them information on how to contact us so we can turn their gas back on and relight their appliances safely.

“We really appreciate the patience and support of local people as we worked to get the gas flowing again to homes in the Hatch Beauchamp area of Somerset after a third-party contractor caused damage to the gas network.”